Did we ever do a poll for a router lift?I would really like to do one with all the current models available. I can’t seem to find where to set one up and which names to include. I have Incra, Kreg, woodpecker, Mcls, and Jess-em. Please give me any other names to include as I hope the “other” category that doesn’t help anyone.I want to include as many as possible and also is it possible to add which features are best?

-- ***Pat*** Rookie woodworker looking for an education!!!

24 replies so far

Jessem – have had 4 of their various models – all worked well, smooth mechanisms, easy to adjust, installation of router bits is simple above the table top, and graduated scale is accurate for adjusting bit height.

I am very pleased with the two I now own.

I have played with a few of the other models, but they dont seem to have the fit and finish that Jessem does.

-- Randy "You are judged as much by the questions you ask as the answers you give..."

Don’t forget Triton Routers, as they have their own lifting mechanism. And since Triton started using the metal lifting gear early in 2011, it has performed very well for me for more than the past two years. I have both the 3 1/4hp and the 2 1/4hp models and they BOTH are set up for above-the-table adjustments.

Seriously, it has the best ring system (held in by rare earth magnets and adjustable for level), accommodates 16 or more different models of routers, and even has a pretty cool “snugger” feature in case the plate opening is router a bit too sloppy.

@HorizontalMike… I was going to post a question about that combination. I’d been looking at a PC7518 + Kreg/Jessem/Woodpecker/Incra/etc lift for a long time, but that’s a $650 combo. Learned about the Triton 3.25hp with the through the table adjustment recently. How are you liking that setup? Does the above the table winder only allow for micro-adjustments? As I understand it, if you want to quickly make large adjustments, it’s easier to do it below the table, is that correct?

I was at a local retailer recently who sells the Triton and the sales guy actually recommended I get the 7518+Woodpecker combo. They don’t sell either one of those so they were actually losing a sale. I’m kind of leaning that way right now, but I was hoping to get more feedback on the Triton setup since it’s about half the price.

@EdwardR – thanks for the feedback. Honestly I’m leaning towards the 7518 + whatever lift combo just because that’s the defacto standard, but if there’s decent feedback on the Triton I think it may be worth a shot.

To touch on something that comicsniper said, many of these seem to be just rebadges of each other. The Woodpecker and Kreg lifts looks nearly identical (the’re both called the Precision Router Lift too). Same thin with the Incra and Jessem “Mast-R-Lift”.

Also, one thing to note about the Rockler lift – it’s only compatible with mid-size routers. PC890 or Dewalt 718 size are okay, but PC7518 is a no go.